2010 Preakness Post Positions – Aikenite Draws Inside Rail
The 2010 Preakness Stakes post positions have been drawn and Aikenite will start in the inside rail position for Saturday’s race.
While acquiring the rail position is supposed to be a good thing, Aikenite’s team probably isn’t thrilled about drawing the No. 1 spot. That’s because in the last 12 years, the winning posts have all come from the outside. The No. 8, No. 9, No. 10, No. 11 and No. 12 post positions have won seven times in the last 12 years and since 2000, the top 3 post positions in terms of wins are No. 4, No. 7 and No. 8. All three of those positions have two victories apiece.
Super Saver, who won the Kentucky Derby two weeks ago and who has opened as a 2/1 favorite to win the Preakness, drew the No. 8 post position. Lookin at Lucky, who was favored to win at the Derby, drew the post position immediately inside Super Saver at No. 7.
According to oddsmakers from online sports book Sports Interaction, Super Saver is a 2/1 favorite to win this year’s Preakness Stakes. His odds are followed by Paddy O’prado at 3/1 and Lookin at Lucky at 4/1.
Filly Rachel Alexandra won from the No. 13 post position last year, which was historic seeing as how no horse had ever one from that spot before. It’s also important to note, however, that the field doesn’t even have 13 contenders. For example, this year’s field was trimmed to 12 after Hurricane Ike was scratched due to a leg injury.
For a complete list of post positions for the 135th running of the Preakness Stakes, see below. Each contender is listed in their respective post position, along with their opening odds for Saturday’s event at Pimlico Race Course.
2010 Preakness Stakes Post Positions & Odds to Win
1. Aikenite 18/1
2. Schoolyard Dreams 12/1
3. Pleasant Prince 15/1
4. Northern Giant 30/1
5. Yawanna Twist 25/1
6. Jackson Bend 20/1
7. Lookin at Lucky 4/1
8. Super Saver 2/1
9. Caracortado 18/1
10. Paddy O’prado 3/1
11. First Dude 15/1
12. Dublin 10/1
[url= http://www.thespread.com/sports-betting-top-stories-900/2010-preakness-post-positions-aikenite-draws-inside-rail.html ]Triple Crown Picks & Predictions @ The Spread
2010 Preakness Stakes Preview
By ATS Sportsline
Super Saver
Maria`s Mon out of Supercharger by A.P. Indy, bred in Kentucky
Owner: WinStar Farms
Odds: 4-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Preakness Record: 3-0-0-1
Jockey: Calvin Borel
Preakness Record: 3-1-1-0
DP/DI/CD=7-7-14-0-0 3.00 0.73
Comments: The Derby Winner should be the favorite on Saturday, and his running style should fit perfect at Pimlico.Trainer Todd Pletcher will look to add his first Preakness win to his accomplishments after winning his first Derby two weeks ago. Borel will be looking for two straight Preakness wins after last year`s win with Rachel Alexandra.
Lookin at Lucky
Smart Strike out of Private Feeling by Belong to Me, bred in Kentucky
Owner: Karl Watson and Mike Pegram
Odds: 5-1
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Preakness Record: 9-4-0-1
Jockey: Martin Garcia
Preakness Record: 0-0-0-0
DP/DI/CD=10-4-12-0-0 3.33 0.92
Comments: The Derby favorite should get a better trip here than he did at Churchill, when he found himself on the rail and in a ton of trouble from the start. In fact, “Lucky” has been very unlucky in his last two efforts, finishing a frustrating third in the Santa Anita Derby two starts back. Assuming he is in a better position this time out, there`s no reason not to expect Lookin at Lucky to be near the front at the finish line. Baffert will be going for his 5th win in the Preakness.
Dublin
Afleet Alex out of Classy Mirage by Storm Bird, bred in Kentucky
Owner: Robert C. Baker and William Mack
Odds: 8-1
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Preakness Record: 27-5-1-5
Jockey: Garret Gomez
Preakness Record: 4-0-0-1
DP/DI/CD=3-1-6-0-0 2.33 0.70
Comments: Made a nice move in the Derby after getting steadied at the start. He`s seen as a legit contender here and should have no trouble with the distance. His Sire, Afleet Alex won the Preakness in memorable style in 2005, and his Grand Sire Storm Bird sired 1990 Preakness winner Summer Squall. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas is going for his record 6th Preakness win.
Paddy O`Prado
El Prado out of Fun House by Prized, bred in Kentucky
Owners: Donegal Racing
Odds: 10-1
Trainer: Dale Romans
Preakness Record: 0-0-0-0
Jockey: Kent Desormeaux
Preakness Record: 11-1-3-0
DP/DI/CD=2-4-12-4-0 1.20 0.18
Comments: Late running son of El Prado ran a game third in the Derby, and looks to improve a few spots here. He`s been a mark of consistency in his short career, finishing in the top 3 in 6 of 7 starts. We still see him as a star on the turf as his career goes forward, but there`s no reason to think he can`t contend for a win on Saturday. Kent Desormeaux won the Preakness aboard Real Quiet in 1998.
Jackson Bend
Hear No Evil out of Sexy Stockings by Tabasco Cat, bred in Florida
Owner: Robert LaPenta & Fred Brei
Odds: 12-1
Trainer: Nick Zito
Preakness Record: 18-1-2-1
Jockey: Mike Smith
Preakness Record: 9-1-1-2
DP/DI/CD=9-4-5-0-0 6.20 1.22
Comments: Jackson Bend didn`t run much in the Derby, so he should be fresh come Saturday at Pimlico. Trainer Nick Zito won this race in 1996 with Louis Quatorze following the same formula. Louis didn`t run a lick in Kentucky but came back and dominated the Preakness in front running fashion. If he`s at his best, Jackson Bend will be near the lead in a good position for a run down the stretch. Mike Smith won the Preakness aboard Prairie Bayou in 1993, and Zito won the aforementioned race in ‘96.
Aikenite
Yes It`s True out of Silverlado by Saint Ballado, bred in Kentucky
Owner: Dogwood Stable
Odds: 15-1
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Preakness Record: 2-0-0-1
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Preakness Record: 0-0-0-0
DP/DI/CD=5-4-8-1-0 2.60 0.72
Comments: This hard trying colt out of Yes It`s True looks to us like he`ll be better at a mile or less and hasn`t proven he can hang with the big boys in the three year old class just yet. Todd Pletcher is the best in the business right now, so this one certainly can`t be overlooked. He is coming off of the best race of his career in the Derby Trial, where he ran second to Hurricane Ike.
Caracortado
Cat Dreams out of Mons Venus by Maria`s Mon, bred in Kentucky
Owner: Blahut Racing LLC and Lo Hi Racing
Odds: 15-1
Trainer: Michael Machwoski
Preakness Record: 0-0-0-0
Jockey: P. Atkinson
Preakness Record: 0-0-0-0
DP/DI/CD=3-3-7-1-0 2.11 0.57
Comments: This Southern California invader wasn`t able to beat the best out West (Lookin at Lucky, Sidney`s Candy), but seems to be refreshed after a 4th place finish in the Santa Anita Derby. He`s been training really well up to this race, and is probably the freshest horse in the field. Trainer Mike Machowsky and jockey Paul Atkinson will be making their Preakness debuts on Saturday.
Pleasant Prince
Indy King out of Archduchess by Pleasant Tap, bred in Florida
Owner: Ken and Sarah Ramsey
Odds: 20-1
Trainer: Wesley Ward
Preakness Record: 0-0-0-0
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Preakness Record: 1-0-0-0
DP/DI/CD=7-9-16-1-1 2.40 0.59
Comments: Big time closer almost won the Florida Derby over Ice box and could be a sleeper in here. If the pace is hot up front, it could set up perfect for him to run them all down in the stretch. Pleasant Prince ran third his last out in the Derby Trial, but it was a muddy track and Hurricane Ike basically wired them up. Throw out his race two back in the Bluegrass on Polytrack, and there`s no reason this one won`t run big on Saturday in Baltimore.
Schoolyard Dreams
Stephen Got Even out of Hear This by Prospector`s Music, bred in Kentucky Owner: Eric Fein and Triple Diamond Stables
Odds: 40-1
Trainer: Derek Ryan
Preakness Record: 1-0-0-1
Jockey: Eibar Coa
Preakness Record: 1-0-0-1
DP/DI/CD=7-5-14-0-0 2.71 0.73
Comments: This horse beat Super Saver in the Tampa Bay Derby, but was no match for Eskendereya in the Wood. He didn`t have enough earnings to run in the Derby, and trainer Derek Ryan said the break did wonders for the horse. He`s fresh coming into the Preakness and his pedigree suggests he`ll have no problem with the distance, being out of Stephen Got Even. Last year, trainer Ryan finished third with Musket Man.
First Dude
Pulpit out of Spice Island by Tabasco Cat, bred in Florida
Owner: Donald Dizney
Odds: 50-1
Trainer: Dale Romans
Preakness Record: 0-0-0-0
Jockey: Ramon Dominquez
Preakness Record: 6-0-1-0
DP/DI/CD=8-5-13-0-0 3.00 0.81
Comments: This guy is a late entry to the Preakness mix, after a third place finish in the Blue Grass behind Stately Victor and Paddy O`Prado. He`s another out of Stephen Got Even, so the distance won`t be an issue. He ran ok in the Florida Derby, finishing 5th by 6 lengths. Looks to be a major longshot, but seems to be improving.
Northern Giant
Giant`s Causeway out of Jessi Take Charge by War Chant, bred in Kentucky
Owner: Westrock Stables LLC
Odds: 50-1
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Preakness Record: 22-0-2-1
Jockey: TBD
Preakness Record:
DP/DI/CD=4-4-10-0-0 2.60 0.67
Comments: Wayne Lukas` second entry in the Preakness is a son of Giant`s Causeway, who should relish the distance. He ran well in the Lane`s End (second to Dean`s Kitten), but ran very poorly in the Arkansas Derby (9th by 14 lengths). He doesn`t appear to be as good as the best in here, but you can`t underestimate Lukas in this race, as he`s a five-time Preakness winner.
Yawanna Twist
Yonaguska out of Twist and Pop by Twist and Pop, bred in New York
Owner: Steel Your Face Stables
Odds: 50-1
Trainer: Richard Dutrow
Preakness Record: 2-1-0-0
Jockey: Edgar Prado
Preakness Record: 11-0-0-0
DP/DI/CD=4-1-4-0-1 2.33 0.70
Comments: The son of Yonaguska is another who appears to be better going short, but will take a shot here in Baltimore. He ran a game second to American Lion in the Illinois Derby and should be at or near the lead this weekend. Edgar Prado was one of the great jockeys in Maryland racing history, but he`s still looking for his first bit of success in the Preakness, as he`s been unplaced in 11 starts.
Preakness Stakes Odds: Horse-By-Horse Breakdown & Picks
By Dan Nowak
Weather is expected to be sunny with a high of 75, which means a fast track at Pimlico for the Preakness.
Horses listed in order of post position followed by odds and analysis:
Aikenite (20-1) – Three races back, the last time he raced on a fast, dirt surface, he ended up third behind Eskendereya and Jackson Bend in the 1 1/8th-mile Fountain of Youth Stakes. Third-place potential.
Schoolyard Dreams (15-1) – Only horse in the field to finish ahead of favorite Super Saver. Finished second and Super Saver was third in the Tampa Bay Derby. Outclassed in this field.
Pleasant Prince (20-1) – Longshot could sneak in for second or third. In his last race on a fast, dirt surface, he had a late-charging move for a second place in the 1 1/8th-mile Florida Derby.
Northern Giant (30-1) – Respect trainer D. Wayne Lukas but you can’t respect a last-place finish last time out in the Arkansas Derby. Has done his best against lesser competiton.
Yawanna Twist (30-1) – Two pluses for this inexperienced colt. Jockey Edgar Prado dominated in Maryland in the ‘90s and his damsire is Oliver’s Twist who was second in the ’95 Preakness at 25-1.
Jackson Bend (12-1) – A stalker with speed. Had a huge 4-furlong workout in 46.3 seconds on Monday and finished second twice to the great Eskendereya. Consider for the exotics.
Lookin At Lucky (3-1) – Late speed and his rally racing style should put him in contention for a shot at the win or at least an in-the-money finish. Roughed up in the Kentucky Derby, he should have a cleaner trip here.
Super Saver (5-2) – The Derby winner is the one to beat with hot jockey Calvin Borel. Has the ability to win just off the pace and certainly has the talent and speed to wire in this group if he so chooses.
Caracortado (10-1) – Five wins in seven starts but has raced primarily on synthetic surfaces in California. Also has an inexperienced jockey when it comes to the Preakness. Looking elsewhere.
Paddy O’Prado (9-2) – Should be closer to the pace here than he was in the Derby. Be advised he’s done his best racing on turf and synthetic surfaces. Maybe sneaks in for the back end of the exotics.
First Dude (20-1) – Named after former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin’s husband, he has shown inconsistency beyond a mile, especially at this level. Preakness veteran jockey Ramon Dominguez is aboard.
Dublin (10-1) – He’s struggled as a 3-year-old and the outside post isn’t great. But after being booted off of Lookin At Lucky by trainer Bob Baffert, jockey Garrett Gomez has the revenge factor working here.Remember Pat Day in ‘96, booted off one horse to come back and win wire-to-wire aboard Louis Quatorze.
Race day advice: This race is usually won by a horse coming out of the Kentucky Derby, very chalky with one of the favorites getting the win.
This is Super Saver’s race to win or lose. The only horses to challenge for the win should be Lookin At Lucky and Jackson Bend with Dublin a sleeper. Lookin At Lucky and Jackson Bend should get better trips here than in the Derby for at least one late run at the favorite.
The key is to find that long shot who can sneak up for second or third to give you value in the exotic bets.
Picks: 1. Super Saver, 2. Jackson Bend, 3. Yawanna Twist.
My plan is to play several 4-horse or 5-horse trifecta keys with Super Saver on top (win spot) with combinations underneath that include Jackson Bend, Yawanna Twist, Lookin At Lucky, Dublin and Pleasant Prince. I would also have some backup exotic plays with Jackson Bend and Lookin At Lucky on top.